In my practice of counseling and psychotherapy, I specifically choose not to be a provider for any
insurance companies. There are a couple of very important reasons as to why I choose to do this. Before I explain what those reasons are I should mention that many insurance companies will still pay for my services. I am what you call an "out-of-network provider" for many insurance companies. Basically, that means that the client is responsible for paying me directly for my services and that if the client's insurance is willing to pay for me as an "out-of-network provider" then they will send the client a reimbursement check for some or all of the cost.
There are two significant reasons as to why I choose not to be a direct provider for insurance companies. I discussed the first reason in last month's newsletter which was centered on how client confidentiality could be sacrificed. The second reason and the focus of this month's newsletter pertains to how the overall treatment process can be obstructed from the direct involvement of insurance companies.
As I mentioned last month, if I was a provider for insurance companies, many times I would first have to get pre-authorization from them to see clients before they even come in. Right from the start the treatment can be thwarted if the insurance companies decide not to offer payment for client problems that they feel are not significant enough for treatment. Many people who may be suffering with emotional or relationship issues choose not to start counseling because their insurance will not pay for it. This is unfortunate for the person seeking treatment for two reasons: 1) feelings of humility and debasement will now be comorbid with their initial mental health problems after the insurance company minimized their presenting problems by their unwillingness to pay for treatment and 2) treatment will not be initiated which will only allow the presenting problems to perpetuate to an unhealthier level.
Some insurance companies have realized that preventative maintenance is a good idea in the medical field; getting a colonoscopy to prevent colon cancer for instance. However, they have not adopted the preventative maintenance philosophy into the mental health field. I happen to believe that preventative maintenance for mental health is just as important as in the medical realm. My approach is to treat every problem with equality whether it seems minor or major. Treating minor problems early on will only prevent them from becoming major problems later on.
When insurance companies decide to pay for treatment they will often put several limits on the treatment process rendering it ineffective. Some insurance companies will require that I call to do a review every few sessions. During those reviews they want to know what the presenting problems of the client are and how I plan to treat those problems. Often times they will disagree with my treatment approach stating that I should be using another approach which is far less time consuming. The insurance companies do not want to admit that mental health problems take time for people to overcome. The problem with using the quick approaches that the insurance companies want me to use is that they are ineffective. It is comparable to putting a band-aid on something that needs major surgery.
After all, insurance companies make money by getting people to pay insurance premiums every month and making it very difficult for them to actually use the benefits. Their only concern is to keep the costs that they pay out to a minimum. In the end, the people who suffer the most are the clients because they are not getting the treatment that they need and deserve.
Sincerely,
Nathan M. Comerford, MA, LLPC, NCC
If you or someone you know needs to speak to someone regarding relationship issues, emotional difficulties or mental health problems, help is a phone call away. Schedule an appointment today!
Just call (248) 932-7799 to set up an appointment with
Nathan Comerford, MA LLPC NCC.
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Visit the "Ask the Counselor" Blog at: www.thoughtperspectives.com/blog
- This is a question and answer blog where Nathan answers questions concerning mental health topics.
- If you have a question, you can send it to: questions@thoughtperspectives.com to have it answered by: Nathan Comerford, MA, LLPC, NCC.
Nathan M. Comerford is a psychotherapist in Farmington Hills, MI who has been helping people with their relationship issues, emotional difficulties and mental health problems for the past 8 years.
Thought Perspectives Counseling
31275 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 120
Farmington Hills, MI 48334